bike routes
around Lisbon
Enzo for
leguideline
Q: Do you ride professionally or as a passionate amateur?
Enzo: Passionate amateur.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about cycling in Portugal?
Enzo: I like how variety of landscapes , you go from the city, river, awesome beaches, the greener and hilly areas as Sintra and Colares.
Q: How often do you ride—and what kind of routes do you prefer?
Enzo: I try to do 3 to 4 times per week, and it depends how I feel, some days I feel like riding very fast so those day goes for flatter routes, others I feel like I want to discover new areas then I go longer. Also Monsanto is an amazing place to do short and intense up hill routes with nice views of Lisbon from the top.
Q: How often do you ride—and what kind of routes do you prefer?
Enzo: Like the views of Guincho from the top , I think Guincho has a special energy there is very wild and you feel very exposed to weather conditions, also being in Sintra and feeling the silence, fresh air and the smell of forest is just something very addictive I would say, it make me feel connected with nature.
Q: Any cycling tips for beginners exploring the Lisbon/Cascais area?
Enzo: Just get prepared for possible punctures. Guincho is generally a windy area, try to go for smaller roads you would be surprise by amazing places. During summer after 2 pm gets very hot I recommend to ride earlier, during the week after 9.30 because of traffic, and during the weekends in mornings at any time.
Q: Do you use any tools or apps to track your routes?
Enzo: Yes , I use Strava for tracking distance in km, AVG speed, and gradients and elevation. And also Google maps, to check routes.
30 kms
Approximate time: up to 2h (one-way)
Starting Point
Begin your journey at Wellbeing Cycling, a friendly and well-stocked bike rental service nestled in the heart of Estoril. Whether you choose a sleek road bike, a rugged gravel ride, or the effortless glide of an electric model, you're setting off on a ride that feels like a moving postcard.
The Ride
Pedal westward along the Avenida Marginal, a sun-drenched coastal road that hugs the glittering edge of the Atlantic. The breeze carries the salt and scent of the sea, while waves playfully crash just meters away from your path. As you ride, you'll pass golden beaches scattered with sun seekers, elegant 19th-century villas perched like seagulls on the cliffs, and palm-lined promenades bustling with life.
The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for most riders, but the occasional gentle hill adds just enough challenge to make your legs feel alive. This is a ride that awakens the senses—expect bursts of color from bougainvillaea, the faint clang of café cutlery as you breeze through seaside towns, and the constant visual rhythm of the blue ocean on one side and the green hills on the other.
Final Destination
You’ll arrive at the charming Marina de Cascais, a place where luxury yachts bob beside traditional fishing boats, and where the sun sets like melted gold over the water. Reward yourself with a fresh seafood meal, a cold drink, or simply relax on the promenade, watching the sailboats drift like lazy clouds on the horizon.
40 kms
Approximate time: up to 2h 15 min (one-way)
Starting Point
Same Starting Point at Wellbeing Cycling. Follow the same breezy ride along Avenida Marginal toward Cascais, with its glittering coastline and postcard views. Once in Cascais, the route continues west toward Praia do Guincho—and this is where the magic sharpens.
The Ride
From Marina de Cascais, pick up the dedicated bike lane to Guincho, a smooth, undulating path carved right along the cliffside. On your left: raw Atlantic power—wild waves, wind-twisted dunes, and rocky outcrops. On your right: rolling pine-covered hills and the occasional windsurfer flickering in and out of sight.
The air shifts here—fresher, saltier, windier. It's a stretch that feels more remote, almost cinematic, with every curve of the path revealing another breathtaking glimpse of ocean meeting sky.
Final Destination
You’ll arrive at the dramatic Praia do Guincho, a vast, windswept beach beloved by surfers and poets alike. It’s not just an end point—it’s a place to exhale, stretch, and feel like you’ve arrived at the edge of something wild.
60 kms
Approximate time: up to 3h 30 min (one-way)
Total Ascent: approximately 500 meters
Guincho to Malveira da Serra: ~6 km at 6% gradient
Azoia to Colares: rolling terrain with occasional steep sections
Starting Point
As with the previous routes, begin with the relaxed ride from Wellbeing Cycling along Avenida Marginal, then follow the coastal bike lane from Cascais to Praia do Guincho.
The Ride
From Guincho, the terrain starts to shift—more elevation, more solitude. Head inland toward Malveira da Serra, where the road climbs gently into the hills. You'll pass wind-tilted trees, craggy cliffs, and quiet mountain homes. The sea disappears behind you as the Serra de Sintra slowly rises ahead.
Follow the N-247 through Azoia, where the Atlantic wind still whistles, but the landscape begins to smell of moss, pine, and stone. This stretch has more gradients and curves—nothing too punishing, but enough to earn your next stop.
Final Destination
You’ll roll into Colares, a tranquil village framed by vineyards and shadowed by the Sintra hills. It’s a perfect finish—slower, cooler, and laced with the scent of old Portugal. Grab a coffee and enjoy the change of pace. You've pedaled from coastline to countryside, with just enough challenge to make it memorable.
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